Heading down that Friday. Staying near the stadium at a best western. Looking for best bar scenes for Friday night and best plan for Saturday pre and post game. Got six of us travelling together.
The bar scene will differ depending on your age or what you're looking for. Since you're staying at the Best Western I'll first throw out the Iowa River Landing area in Coralville. The area has two great spots: 30hop and Backpocket Brewing. Both have great outdoor seating and largely eclectic menus.
A short Uber ride will bring you to downtown Iowa City and the Ped Mall. Here's a quick breakdown of some notable haunts:
*Joe's Place -- No cover and they recently opened a rooftop bar. Good mix of students and graduates; my favorite bar in IC (I'm 27).
*Blue Moose Taphouse -- Again, good mix of students and graduates so you won't feel too out of place. Usually among my Friday night rotation.
*Pint's -- Younger crowd, okay place.
*TCB -- Great pool hall with a great beer selection. Won't find many students.
*Sports Column -- An Iowa City staple that offers cheap drinks and sticky floors. Largely college students but my dad and his buddies enjoy it.
*Brother's -- Wild, young crowd. Tastes like 21 years old and Busch Light.
*Summit/Union/DC's -- Basically Blarney's or the Library.
Food options:
*Joseph's Steakhouse -- Most reputable formal dining among downtown locations.
*Donnelly's -- Best wing sauce around.
*Atlas -- Great menu for reasonable cost.
*Pullman's Diner -- Eclectic menu but very limited seating.
*Quinton's -- Great sandwiches and nice beer selection. Would recommend for lunch Saturday.
*Mickey's -- Best tenderloin in town. Also a nice bar option for those 27+.
*Bluebird Diner -- Great breakfast that serves Bloody Mary's (Hamburg Inn does not).
*Hamburg Inn, No. 2 -- An Iowa City staple and frequent political stop for Iowa Primaries. Great breakfast and even better pies.
*Make sure you grab food from a food stand after drinking your fill. One of the more unique things of Iowa City.
Two other favorites of mine are The Vine and the new Big Grove Brewery & Taproom. Neither are located downtown but each is a nice option for food and great beer. The taproom has a Surly vibe.